1990 Ford Super duty problems

General information about Ford-Super duty
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from F-250 to the F-600. The F-250 through F-450 are offered as pickup trucks, while the F-350 through F-600 are offered as chassis cabs.

Rather than adapting the lighter-duty F-150 truck for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series. The heavier-duty chassis components allow for heavier payloads and towing capabilities. With a GVWR over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg), Super Duty pickups are Class 2 and 3 trucks, while chassis-cab trucks are offered in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The model line also offers Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel engines as an option.

Ford also offers a medium-duty version of the F-Series (F-650 and F-750), which is sometimes branded as the Super Duty, but is another chassis variant. The Super Duty pickup truck also served as the basis for the Ford Excursion full-sized SUV.

The Super Duty trucks and chassis-cabs are assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and at Ohio Assembly in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to 2016, medium-duty trucks were assembled in Mexico under the Blue Diamond Truck joint venture with Navistar International.

Social links

Common 1990 Ford Super duty problems

The Ford Super Duty 1990, like any other vehicle, has its own set of common problems that owners have reported. This article will discuss these issues in detail, providing insights into the causes, symptoms, and possible solutions.

Spark Plug Ejection from the Cylinder Head: This is a common issue with the Ford Super Duty 1990, particularly with V8 engines. When a spark plug pops out, it can damage the threads in the hole where it was seated. If this happens, experts often recommend replacing the cylinder head. A new cylinder head can cost around $400. If a cylinder head isn't working properly, it can lead to the engine using more oil and needing more maintenance because it controls how air flows into the engine. If you hear a ticking noise when your Super Duty vehicle is idling, it could be a sign that a spark plug is about to eject. It's important to check that the spark plug is screwed in tightly to prevent this.

Death Wobble: This is a significant issue with the F-250 truck, where the vehicle shakes violently and becomes harder to control. Although death wobble cases were reported for various years, they seemed more widespread for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 years. This issue is loosely related to the aforementioned steering issue above. Some owners claimed to have experienced the death wobble while hitting a bump on the road, while some reported violent shakes as they approached speeds of over 60 mph. Most reports claimed that the steering wheel shaft would rattle and shake uncontrollably.

These three issues have been identified as the top customer complaints regarding the Ford Super Duty 1990. Understanding these problems can help owners take preventive measures and address them promptly, ensuring the longevity and safety of their vehicles.

Are 1990 Ford F-250 reliable?

Very Reliable

Reliable and easy to maintain! Gas mileage and power could be better, but well worth the investment. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.0.

What are the worst years for F-250 Super Duty?

The worst years for used Ford F-250 include:

2002 Ford F-250.
2006 Ford F-250.
2008 Ford F-250.
2011 Ford F-250.
2017 Ford F-250.

Is Ford Super Duty a reliable Car?

Ford Super Duty Honored as America's Most Dependable Large Heavy-Duty Pickup by J.D. Power. DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2024 – The 2021 Ford Super Duty is the most dependable large heavy-duty pickup in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, based on feedback from drivers after three years of ownership.

What is the most reliable Ford Super Duty year?

Reliability refers to how well the vehicle can handle heavy loads and rough terrains. The model years 2005, 2009, 2011, and 2020 were some of the stand-out models from the four generations of Ford F-250.

Are 1990 Ford F-250 reliable?

Very Reliable

Reliable and easy to maintain! Gas mileage and power could be better, but well worth the investment. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.0.

What years of F-250 to avoid?

In short, the 2003-2007 Ford F-250 are among those vehicles that you should avoid. Unless you're looking for a project truck or a parts' car these are best avoided, and here's a deeper dive into why.

Is Ford Super Duty a reliable Car?

What is the most reliable Ford Super Duty year?

1990 Ford Super duty car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Super duty problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Suspension problems
Power train problems
Electrical system problems
Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Ford Super duty vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Ford Super duty complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Ford Super duty.

1997-03-20

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-01-28
VIN: 3FCMFJ3G2CJ
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: FRONT END SUSPENSION FAILED, CAUSING WANDERING AND SHIMMY.

Add Complaint

1996-12-30

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 2FDLF47G4KC
Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
Summary: TWO TRUCKS:HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES. BOLTS LOOSEN FREQUENTLY. WIRING IN DASHBOARD IGNITED AND CAUSED A FIRE. OWNER WANTS THE TRUCKS TO BE BOUGHT BACK.

Add Complaint

1990 Ford Super duty recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Ford Super duty.

1994-02-23

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: THE STEEL FUEL RETURN TUBES THAT CONNECT THE FRAME FUEL RETURN LINES WITH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL CAN CONTACT THE PINCH WELD FLANGE CONNECTING THE DASH PANEL TO THE FLOOR PAN. CONTINUED CONTACT LEADS TO ABRASION OF THE STEEL FUEL RETURN TUBE AND EVENTUALLY RESULTS IN A FUEL LEAK.
Consequence: ABRASION OF THE STEEL TUBE WALL THAT EVENTUALLY CAUSES A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT IN A FIRE, IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.
Remedy: FORD DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN TUBES WITH FLEXIBLE STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED/TEFLON TUBES. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBES.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Ford Super duty problems:

Any common 460 EFI problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/865429-any-common-460-efi-problems.html

Jul 6, 2009 ... Ford Super Duty Man , 07-07-2009 07:33 AM ... Its a 1990 F350 Custom single cab Dually 5 speed with 43000 miles on it. ... Tags 460, common, efi, ...

1990 Ford F-250 Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1990-ford-f-250/problems

Top 1990 Ford F-250 Problems · Exhaust Manifolds Can Crack and Cause Leak · The tachometer sensor may fail · Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak · Front Brake ...

Easy cheap quick fix for Ford defrost/vent problems - Ford Truck ...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1273073-easy-cheap-quick-fix-for-ford-defrost-vent-problems.html

Oct 13, 2013 ... After a little research, I saw that this is a common problem with Fords, dating back to the 1990's. Not just Ford vans, but also pickup trucks, ...

Ford F-250 Super Duty: Common Problems & How To Avoid Them ...

https://davesautorepairutah.com/ford-f-250-super-duty-common-problems-how-to-avoid-them/

Sep 6, 2022 ... Ford F-250 Super Duty: Common Problems & How To Avoid Them · Coolant seeping out of the engine · Pitting or cavitation in the liner · Cylinder head ...